Our Mission
Project Open Hand exists to provide nutritious, culturally appropriate meals to people who are ill, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable. By delivering fresh food directly to those who need it most, we help reduce hospital readmissions, support recovery, and promote dignity for every recipient.
History & Foundations
Founded in 1985 in San Francisco, Project Open Hand began as a small volunteerrun kitchen that supplied meals to AIDS patients. Over the decades the organization expanded its reach, embracing new health challenges such as diabetes, cancer, and homelessness. Today, Open Hand operates in three counties, serving more than 30,000 meals each month.
Core Programs
Meal Delivery
Our flagship service prepares balanced meals that meet the dietary guidelines of each client. Meals are tailored to medical conditions (lowsodium, lowsugar, highprotein, etc.) and delivered by a fleet of insulated vans.
Nutrition Education
We host workshops for patients and caregivers that cover label reading, portion control, and cooking on a budget. Materials are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Community Kitchen
Open Hands community kitchen provides a space for volunteers to assemble meals, learn culinary skills, and connect with the people they serve. The kitchen also hosts popup food markets in underserved neighborhoods.
Emergency Food Assistance
During natural disasters or public health emergencies, we mobilize rapid response teams to deliver meals and essential groceries to shelters and temporary housing.
Impact Highlights
- Over 1.2 million meals delivered since 1985.
- 97% of recipients report improved energy levels within two weeks.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by 12% for chronic disease patients.
- More than 10,000 volunteers have contributed their time.
- Partnerships with 35 local farms and food vendors.
Our data-driven approach tracks health outcomes, ensuring that every dollar spent translates into measurable wellness gains.
How You Can Help
Project Open Hand thrives on community support. Here are ways you can make a difference:
- Volunteer: Join a kitchen shift, deliver meals, or lead an education workshop.
- Donate Food: Contribute fresh produce, whole grains, or pantry staples.
- Corporate Partnerships: Offer matching gifts, sponsor a meal program, or host a fundraising event.
- Advocate: Share our story on social media, write to local officials, or organize a community awareness drive.
Every contribution, big or small, helps us keep the door open for those who need a nutritious meal the most.
Donate Today
Your financial support enables us to purchase highquality ingredients, maintain our delivery fleet, and expand our educational outreach. A gift of $25 provides a weeks worth of meals for one individual; $100 funds a month of nutrition workshops for a senior center.
Donate securely online or mail checks to:
Project Open Hand1234 Wellness Way
San Francisco, CA 94102
USA
